Saturday, January 2, 2010

Now Comes the Hard Part

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe New Year celebration. We welcomed it in quietly with just the two of us and, yes, early to bed as usual. Buddy set the alarm for 12:01 to wish me a Happy New Year. I returned the gesture and then we rolled back over to sleep. Typically, I make the usual New Year's resolution of losing weight. Of course, it's the same one every year...ha! I'm still my own fat self. This year I had a list of resolutions..This is where the hard part starts....I resolved to become frugal. I can't say more frugal because when I read the definition, I have been no part of frugal.

Frugal is defined: to be economical in use or expenditure, prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful; entailing little expense; requiring few resources.

This is going to be baby steps for me as I "prepare". I can't do this overnight. I was trying so hard yesterday to not be flipping on lights out of habit and functioning in low light. I made deviled eggs last night by the light of an oil lamp (and of course Buddy had on the tv). I said this was my resolution, not his. He thought I had gone nuts yesterday and just kept shaking his head. So, can you see how hard this is going to be? I think he will put in an honest effort eventually. But, anyway, back to the deviled eggs...I managed but it was sure different. How do folks to it? How did the pioneers of our past do it? I am so spoiled!We built our home to be efficient but this is going to be a challenge. I read other's blogs about frugal living but most live up north. I am in Texas. I have no cellar or no ice house. We deal with humidity here.So, please join me on my 2010 journey of learning frugal living in Texas. As I take this journey, I will share my trials and successes with you. I welcome any advice or suggestions. This should prove to be an interesting and educational year at RiverBend Farm.Happy Trails...

9 comments:

Berte - I'm in the frugal frame of mind, too. I'll be very interested in seeing how it goes for you. I keep saying I can't do it til I get moved out to the farm permanently. That's the wrong attitude, I guess. I should be being more frugal NOW with whatever situation I'm in. I wish you much luck in your endeavor, Berte - I know you can do it - strengthen your resolve and take baby steps like you said. Hey, do you know the blog "Down to Earth?"I have it on my farming blogs. It's the best one I've found about being frugal.

I have some similar goals that I hope to at least make some improvements at. I don't make hard fast resolutions anymore. I always end up breaking them. Improvements are better and I feel more successful if I can make "improvements".

Good luck Berte!! I need the inspiration to do the same. I always thought of myself in some ways frugal but I am on the other end of the spectrum in so many ways. I always felt it balanced out in the end!!! LOL!! I am feeling as of lately my frugality is a thing of the past but that has to change!!!! If I could stay at home and never had to hit a store I would be OK. If I go to any store that seems to get me started and I'm so bad. So come on girl inspire me, PLEASE!!!!!!!

I think that is a very good resolution and one that should be on my list as well. A while back I did vow to try and save money wherever I could. I started turning out all lights as well as turned the heater down some and probably saved $30 on our electric bill. Lately I have slipped and have not done as well as I was with it, your post is a good reminder for me to get back on track with it! Thank you and good luck to you in the New Year!

I wish you the best of luck with the frugal living. We do it because we have to. We have a grocery budget, weekly gas budget, lunch money, even electric budget. And of course chicken and pet budget. But it works. It's not easy or fun, but if you do it right you will be surprised at what is left over.~Randy

Hi Berte, I feel for you in this issue because I also live in Texas. I do however try to live as frugal as I can. I hang clothes out on pretty days instead of using the dryer. I use the fireplace and try not to use the unit too much. On food, I make almost everything from scratch and I fix leftovers. I have a house hold of picky eaters and this is always a challenge. I have been given a garden book titled Frugal Gardening, which I am about to go over. So I am here saying "little steps are at least a step in the right direction." I hope you have a fun time while you learn about Frugal living! Blessings,Kathleen